Proverbs Chapter 16 verse 22 Holy Bible
Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is `their' folly.
read chapter 16 in ASV
Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.
read chapter 16 in BBE
Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.
read chapter 16 in DARBY
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
read chapter 16 in KJV
read chapter 16 in WBT
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the punishment of fools is their folly.
read chapter 16 in WEB
A fountain of life `is' understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
read chapter 16 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 22. - Understanding is a well spring of life unto him that hath it (Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 13:14). The possessor of understanding has in himself a source of comfort and a vivifying power, which is as refreshing as a cool spring to a thirsty traveller. In all troubles and difficulties he can fall back upon his own good sense and prudence, and satisfy himself therewith. This is not conceit, but the result of a well grounded experience. But the instruction of fools is folly; i.e. the instruction which fools give is folly and sin; such is the only teaching which they can offer. So the Vulgate, doctrina stultorum fatuitas; and many modern commentators. But musar is better taken in the sense of "discipline" or "chastisement" (as in Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 7:22; Proverbs 15:5), which the bad man suffers. His own folly is the scourge which punishes him; refusing the teaching of wisdom, he makes misery for himself, deprives himself of the happiness which virtue gives, and pierces himself through with many sorrows. Septuagint, "The instruction of tools is evil."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(22) The instruction of fools is folly.- While understanding is "a fountain of life" (Proverbs 10:11) giving health and refreshment and vigour both to the possessor and his friends, the discipline given by fools is worse than useless, being folly itself. Or it may mean, "the discipline which fools have to endure is folly." If they will not be taught by wisdom, their own folly will serve as a rod to correct them.
